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that is because most of the 250 cruisers have a lot less horsepower than the ninja 250. However, the Hyosung GV250 and Comet 250 are pretty good on power. They have 2 carbs, 4 valves per cylinder, and 28-30 hp. (where the ninja has 34 I believe).

I get my GV250 up to 80 with no problems (I get to 60 quite quickly), and I weigh 230. It accelerates very well within its power range (6000-9000 rpm).

If you want some idea of how fast a bike really is Ill compare em to some cars.

600 Super Sport (any of em) - 3 sec 0-60, high 10 sec 1/4 mi - About equal to an Indy car, faster than any stock street car.

650 twin (SV650, ninja 650 - 4 sec or so 0-60, low 12 sec 1/4 mi - about equal to a dodge viper

500 twin (GS500, Ninja 500) - 5 sec 0-60, mid 13 sec 1/4 mi - about equal to a v8 camaro or mustang

250 twin (Ninja 250) - 6-7 sec 0-60, low 15 sec 1/4 mi - about equal to an Acura Integra, or a faster mid sized sedan.

Check out my avatar...

heres a little background about my situation and how i feel about the 250:

I just graduated so i dont have a job yet....so that means i have very little money but I had been wanting to start riding as soon as I moved back home. So the MAIN reason I bought the ninja 250 was because it was sooo cheap (used 04 for $2300). The second reason is because I had heard it was such a good starter bike.

Before I ever rode one, or went to see used bikes, I felt that I was basically going to buy a big scooter...or a scooter with sportbike looks. Now, while I haven't ridden a huge sportbike yet, let me tell you that for a beginner, the 250 is enough power. I was downright AMAZED at how fast it was....The fastest I've taken it is 80 on a small stretch of road before my house (with plenty of road to spare)....in my car, I can't hit 70 safely there....so go figure. I've taken it in the canyon near my house and it is soooo much fun. I really can't think of another 'sportbike' thats so cheap and so fun to ride. After gear, insurance, dmv stuff, and the MSF, I've spent about $3800 on it, and it was worth every penny!

the only drawback that i can see right now is that i get jealous of seeing the doods on 600s, 1000s, etc cuz honestly, those bikes look so damned NICE...a lot cooler looking than the ninja 250...oh and its kinda known as a girls bike. haha. but its still really fun and really cheap.

There is also the GS500 which was restyled in '04 and looks just like the bigger gixxers, and is considered one of the top starter bikes.

I am seriously looking at the Comet 250 as a second bike and to step my daughter up.

c-los wrote:Check out my avatar...

heres a little background about my situation and how i feel about the 250:

I just graduated so i dont have a job yet....so that means i have very little money but I had been wanting to start riding as soon as I moved back home. So the MAIN reason I bought the ninja 250 was because it was sooo cheap (used 04 for $2300). The second reason is because I had heard it was such a good starter bike.

Before I ever rode one, or went to see used bikes, I felt that I was basically going to buy a big scooter...or a scooter with sportbike looks. Now, while I haven't ridden a huge sportbike yet, let me tell you that for a beginner, the 250 is enough power. I was downright AMAZED at how fast it was....The fastest I've taken it is 80 on a small stretch of road before my house (with plenty of road to spare)....in my car, I can't hit 70 safely there....so go figure. I've taken it in the canyon near my house and it is soooo much fun. I really can't think of another 'sportbike' thats so cheap and so fun to ride. After gear, insurance, dmv stuff, and the MSF, I've spent about $3800 on it, and it was worth every penny!

the only drawback that i can see right now is that i get jealous of seeing the doods on 600s, 1000s, etc cuz honestly, those bikes look so damned NICE...a lot cooler looking than the ninja 250...oh and its kinda known as a girls bike. haha. but its still really fun and really cheap.

My wife's is an '04 silver just like yours, it is a great bike.

Kev

c-los wrote:the only drawback that i can see right now is that i get jealous of seeing the doods on 600s, 1000s, etc cuz honestly, those bikes look so damned NICE...a lot cooler looking than the ninja 250...oh and its kinda known as a girls bike. haha. but its still really fun and really cheap.

They used to make a ZXR 250 which looked alot better than this ZZR 250 (Ninja 250) but they stoped in '98 or '99.

I agree though, I like the look of the bigger bikes much more in general.

jmillheiser wrote:There is also the GS500 which was restyled in '04 and looks just like the bigger gixxers, and is considered one of the top starter bikes.

I like the GS500 alot as well. Only problem for me is the price. I can't find a used one. I've seen one used Ninja 250 in my area...

Having the same problem here. Virtually the entire used market here is Harleys and choppers.